Synapsium is an annual neuroscience symposium hosted by Dondrite, the student association of the MSc Cognitive Neuroscience at Radboud University Nijmegen. Organized by and for students, we take pride in connecting the latest generations of researchers as we give them a platform to present their own research, invite them to stimulating presentations and workshops, and motivate cross-institutional exchange. Next to this, there will be a keynote presentation of an established researcher and a panel discussion to discuss the latest topics in Cognitive Neuroscience together!
We warmly invite you to follow us on our social media – Linkedin and Dondrite’s Instagram – and here on the website for further news and updates!
Listed below are the current comittee members. Synapsium is organised every year by enthousiastic and passionate Dondrite members who want to do a little something extra. Do you want to know more about who is who and what that person does? You can hover over every members’ picture to learn their name and task within the comittee!
Hey everyone! I’m Beatrice, a second-year CNS Masters student in the Language and Communication track. I’m from Italy, but I have been in the Netherlands for four years. Next to my studies, I enjoy going to the gym, cooking, and I like travelling whenever I have time. I am really excited about Synapsium 2025, so hopefully I’ll see you there! 🙂
Hi! I’m Kiara, a second-year student in the master’s program in Cognitive Neuroscience, and I am a part of the Development and Lifelong Plasticity track. My main interest is the effects of psychedelics in neuroscience. I’m fascinated by the biology of it all. Beyond my committee and study duties, you’ll often find me with my nose buried in a book. I’m excited to be a part of Synapsium yet again this year and I hope to see you during this year’s edition!
Hey! I’m Emanuela, a second-year master student in Cognitive Neuroscience in the Development and Lifelong Plasticity track. My interests mainly lie in uncovering the neurobiological mechanisms in brain dysfunction, particularly during neurodegenerative processes. Aside from the lab you can find me in cafes sipping on a good coffee or strolling around the beautiful parks of Nijmegen. I can’t wait for this year’s Synapsium to come, see you all there 🙂
Hello everyone! My name is Kate and I’m a first-year CNS student in the Development and Lifelong Plasticity track. Understanding the mechanisms of brain development and their influence on behavior and the interplay between genetic, environmental, and experiential factors fascinates me as it reveals how we grow, learn, and adapt to the world. Besides my studies, I enjoy travelling, exploring new places and reading. I’m really excited to be part of the Synapsium committee this year and hope to see you in April!
Hey! I am Nele and I am currently following the Perception, Action and Decision-making specialisation of the Cognitive Neuroscience Master. Currently, I am curious to explore the intersection of neuroscience and AI (NeuroAI) and diving deeper into the analysis of neural time series data. Outside of my studies, you can find me hiking or more generally spending time in nature.
Hello everyone! My name is Julia and I am currently in my first year of the Master Cognitive Neuroscience in the Development and Lifelong Plasticity track. The relationship between stress, sleep, and memory particularly sparks my interest and I am always open to hearing a new fun fact! Besides my studies, I enjoy reading, travelling and dancing. I am very excited to be part of this year’s Synapsium committee and look forward to the event!
Hello! I’m Teresa but you can call me Tess. I am a first-year master student in Cognitive Neuroscience, and I am very interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience! However, I love exploring the brain in all its different aspects, and I try to know a bit of everything! Aside from the master, I love dancing and playing music; and planning symposiums 😉 I can’t wait to see you in Synapsium!
Hello! My name is Toral and I’m a first year CNS student in the language and communication track. My academic interest is mainly captured by early language acquisition, but I find it enjoyable to study all kinds of different topics for fun. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, knitting, and music. I’m also very happy to be helping organize Synapsium for 2025!
Hi everyone! I’m Mingyao Sun, a first-year master’s student in cognitive neuroscience. My research interests primarily focus on the mechanisms of false memory in naturalistic settings. Outside of academics, I find peace in reading, exploring museums, and playing the guitar. I’m honored to be part of Synapsium 2025, working with kind and supportive peers and the researchers whose work I deeply admire. Looking forward to seeing everyone in April!
Hola! I’m Javier, a first-year CNS master’s student from the Perception, Action and Decision-Making track. I am passionate about multisensory experiences and their role in memory. Besides, I love cooking and eating (mostly Spanish food, obviously), making music, learning Dutch, and tomorrow I will finally start going to the gym. In the Synapsium Committee, we are working hard to create the best Synapsium so far. I hope to see you there on the 5th of April! 😉
Hi! I am Jorge and I currently am in my first year of the master Cognitive Neuroscience, on the Natural Computing and Neurotechnology track. I am interested in the more engineering-oriented aspects of the field, like brain-computer interfacing and neural prosthetics. Other than my studies, I enjoy reading and exploring and cooking new recipes. I am very excited to be organizing this year’s Synapsium. See you there!
Hi, I’m Kevin, a second-year cognitive neuroscience student in the Perception, Action and Decision-making track. I’m mostly fascinated by human curiosity and motivation for action and learning. Currently I’m following this interest in the Learning & Motivation lab from Harold Bekkering. In my free time I love reading books, watching Game of Thrones and Avatar the Last Airbender again and again and have the occasional change in hobby every now and then. Hope to see you at Synapsium on the 5th of April!
Hi! I’m Tamara, a first-year CNS student in the Language and Communication track. I am mostly interested in the intersection of philosophy, linguistics, and cognitive neuroscience. Outside of academics, I love to read (any type of fiction, but especially fantasy), run or hike, take care of plants, and be creative. See you at Synspsium 2025!